Robert Emmet Sherwood, a celebrated American playwright, editor, and screenwriter, made his mark on the world of the performing arts, first taking his first breath on April 4, 1896, in the charming city of New Rochelle, located in the state of New York.
Born into a family of significant wealth, Sherwood's life was permeated by the world of art and literature from his earliest years. The profound impact of his mother's influence can be discerned in his subsequent works, which frequently showcased powerful and complex female characters. His debut Broadway play, "The Road to Rome", made its premiere in 1927, marking the beginning of a recurring motif in his writing: the poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the futility of war, a theme that would come to define his literary identity.
Biography:
Francis Marion Sherwood was born on April 2, 1896, in Ohio, USA. He was the son of a wealthy family, which exposed him to the world of art and literature from a young age. His mother, a strong influence on his life, instilled in him a love for the arts and a sense of social responsibility. Sherwood's early interest in writing was encouraged by his family, and he began writing plays and stories during his teenage years.
After completing his education, Sherwood moved to New York City to pursue a career in writing. He worked as a journalist and playwright, eventually making his Broadway debut with "The Road to Rome" in 1927. This play introduced his signature theme of the futility of war, which would become a recurring motif in his work.
Throughout his career, Sherwood wrote numerous plays, including "The Petrified Forest" and "There Shall Be No Night". His work often featured strong female characters, a testament to his mother's influence. Sherwood's writing was known for its thought-provoking exploration of social and political issues, and he was praised for his ability to craft compelling characters and stories.
Sherwood continued to write until his death on June 6, 1978, leaving behind a legacy of influential and thought-provoking works. His contributions to the world of theatre and literature continue to be celebrated and studied today.
Sherwood's remarkable achievements on the Broadway stage paved the way for a fruitful transition into the world of Hollywood, a development that unfolded in 1926. As his success continued to soar, he embarked on a new creative journey, devoting himself to the art of screenplay writing. His impressive repertoire of adaptations from his own plays served as a testament to his versatility and skill. Moreover, his collaborations with esteemed directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Joan Harrison further solidified his reputation as a talented and in-demand screenwriter. One of his most notable and enduring accomplishments was his work on the screenplay for the 1940 film Rebecca, a project that showcased his mastery of the craft and cemented his status as a major force in the world of cinema.
As World War II raged on, Sherwood, a previously vocal anti-war advocate, surprisingly shifted his stance to wholeheartedly support the Allied effort, exemplifying a remarkable transformation in his beliefs.
In 1940, Sherwood co-founded the esteemed Playwright's Company, a theatrical organization dedicated to producing works that promoted unity and patriotism during the tumultuous period.
One of his most notable creations, the play "There Shall Be No Night", premiered in 1940, boasting an impressive cast, including the renowned actors Alfred Lunt, Lynn Fontanne, and the young Montgomery Clift, who were all instrumental in bringing the powerful drama to life.
Sherwood, known for his strong opinions and unwavering convictions, did not hesitate to publicly denounce those who opposed the war effort, particularly the isolationist Charles Lindbergh, whom he scathingly criticized as a "Nazi with a Nazi's Olympian contempt for all democratic processes", a harsh rebuke that reflected his deep-seated disdain for Lindbergh's views.
Following the conclusion of the war, Sherwood took on a pivotal role as the Director of the Office of War Information, a position he held from 1943 to 1945. Subsequent to his tenure in this esteemed capacity, he returned to his first love - dramatic writing - and collaborated on the screenplay for the 1946 cinematic masterpiece, The Best Years of Our Lives, under the visionary direction of William Wyler. This critically acclaimed film, which garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, earned Sherwood a prestigious Academy Award for Best Screenplay, thereby cementing his status as a renowned screenwriter.
Notable American playwright and screenwriter, Robert E. Sherwood, continued to be prolific in his craft until his untimely passing due to a heart attack on November 14, 1955, in the bustling metropolis of New York City.
As his life came to a close, Sherwood's final creation, the thought-provoking play "Small War on Murray Hill", was brought to life on the Broadway stage in 1957, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of theater.
Decades later, in 1994, Sherwood's remarkable story was reimagined on the big screen by actor Nick Cassavetes, who portrayed the iconic playwright in the film "Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle". This cinematic masterpiece delved into the fascinating lives of the members of the Algonquin Round Table, further cementing Sherwood's place in the annals of American literary history.
